The Best Real Estate Attorneys in Lawtell, LA
Find experienced real estate attorneys in Lawtell, Louisiana. Compare 3 top-rated lawyers specializing in property transactions, closings, and real estate law.
Top-Rated Real Estate Attorneys in Lawtell
David A. Cohn
Cohn Law Firm
David A. Cohn is a highly respected real estate attorney with over 15 years of experience serving clients in St. Landry Parish and throughout Acadiana. He specializes in commercial and residential real estate transactions, title issues, and property disputes. Known for his meticulous attention to detail and client-focused approach, he has successfully handled numerous complex real estate cases and has a strong reputation for achieving favorable outcomes for his clients. His firm is AV-rated by Martindale-Hubbell, reflecting high ethical standards and legal ability.
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Randy J. Fuerst
Fuerst Law Firm
Randy J. Fuerst has been practicing law for two decades and is recognized for his expertise in real estate law, including transactions, zoning, and landlord-tenant disputes. Serving the Lawtell area from his Lafayette office, he is praised for his strategic thinking and high client satisfaction rates. His firm has a track record of successful real estate litigation and transactional work, with numerous positive reviews highlighting his responsiveness and ability to navigate complex legal issues efficiently.
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Charles S. Gerstner
Gerstner & Beaugh
Charles S. Gerstner is an established attorney based in Opelousas, providing comprehensive real estate legal services to clients in Lawtell and surrounding areas. With 12 years of experience, he handles residential and commercial real estate matters, including purchases, sales, and title issues. He is known for his practical advice and commitment to client education, ensuring clients make informed decisions. His firm has built a strong local reputation for reliability and effective representation in real estate disputes and transactions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What specific local issues in Lawtell, LA, should I discuss with a real estate attorney before buying land?
In Lawtell and St. Landry Parish, key issues include verifying rural property boundaries, understanding any local zoning or land use restrictions for unincorporated areas, and checking for rights-of-way or servitudes that are common in Acadian-style property divisions. An attorney can also investigate potential flood zone designations and ensure proper access to utilities, which can be complex in more rural settings.
How can a Lawtell real estate attorney help with succession (inheritance) property matters?
Louisiana's unique Napoleonic-based civil law governs successions. A local attorney is essential for navigating the filing process in the 27th Judicial District Court, clearing title to inherited property, and advising on options like an affidavit of small succession if applicable. This is crucial for legally transferring ownership before you can sell or refinance a family property in the area.
Are there common title issues in Lawtell that require an attorney's review?
Yes, due to the area's long history of family-owned tracts and informal property transfers, title issues like missing heirs, old mineral rights reservations, and inaccurate legal descriptions in past acts of sale are frequent. A real estate attorney will order and scrutinize a title search to identify and resolve these defects before a transaction closes, ensuring you receive a merchantable title.
What should I expect to pay for a real estate attorney's services for a residential closing in Lawtell?
Costs typically include a flat fee for handling the closing, which can range from $500 to $1,500+, depending on the transaction's complexity, plus title search and insurance costs. For more intricate matters like resolving a boundary dispute or succession, attorneys often charge an hourly rate. Always request a detailed fee agreement upfront.
When is a real estate attorney absolutely necessary for a transaction in Louisiana, compared to just using a title company?
In Louisiana, an attorney is legally required to prepare and notarize the act of sale (the deed) for it to be valid. While title companies handle searches and insurance, only a licensed Louisiana attorney can provide legal advice, draft complex contracts, resolve title defects, and ensure the act of sale complies with all state and local formalities for recording in the St. Landry Parish Clerk of Court's office.
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